Swim session types
There are a range of different swim sessions available to book. Please choose the one that best suits you needs and ability.
Slow Lane Swim
Suitable for recreational swimmers who swim at a relaxed pace. Single lane maximum capacity of six swimmers. Booking ahead advised, but you can turn up and swim if the lane is not at capacity.
Medium Lane Swim
Intended for swimmers who are comfortable swimming full lengths of the pool at a reasonable pace. Single lane maximum capacity of six swimmers. Booking ahead advised, but you can turn up and swim if the lane is not at capacity.
Fast Lane Swim
These lanes are intended for those who swim regularly and for longer distances. Single lane maximum capacity of six swimmers. Booking ahead advised, but you can turn up and swim if the lane is not at capacity.
Lane Swim
At times of low demand for lane swimming we may just have a single lane available with no set speed criteria. There will still be a maximum of six swimmers per lane but it is likely that there will only be a small number of swimmers. There will usually be a 'Swim for All' session at the same time which may be more appropriate for slower swimmers. Booking ahead advised, but you can turn up and swim if the lane is not at capacity.
Swim For All
If you are not keen on continuous swimming up and down the pool then a 'Swim for All - Large Pool' will be the session for you. In this you can choose whether you want to swim while chatting to your friends, do a bit of aqua jogging, stay shallow, go deep. It's up to you! However, if you want an uninterrupted swim then one of the lane swim sessions above will be better for you. There is no need to book ahead for these sessions - just check the timetable and turn up and swim!
On evenings, weekends and at school holidays times some sessions will be marked as 'Swim for All - Family Fun'. Anyone is still welcome to attend these sessions, but there are likely to be more children playing and splashing about, so if you prefer a quieter swim then choose a standard 'Swim for All' session.
'Swim For All - Small Pool' sessions are ideal for adults with babies, toddlers or young children, with plenty of space to play.
SEND sessions
This session is intended to be a quieter session aimed at families who have children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Although SEND swimmers are welcome at all swimming sessions, this dedicated session will give an opportunity for the whole family to swim in a friendly, non-judgemental environment.
We do not require proof of disability status to attend this session.
What if I want to move between session types?
There are no restrictions moving into or between designated 'Swim for All' areas of the pool (unless it is exceptionally busy), so families can move between small and large pool as required. There are maximum capacities displayed for lanes, so moving between or into lanes will only be permitted if the lane is not at capacity. If you are likely to want to move between lanes and 'Swim For All' then book a lane swim and you can be sure you will get your uninterrupted lane swim but can move into the 'Swim For All' section of the pool when you want to.
How long can I swim?
The duration of lane swim sessions varies between 45 minutes and 75 minutes. You can arrive and depart whenever you want within your booked session time, and in most cases you can stay beyond your session time so long as the lanes are still available and are not at capacity in (if they are you would have to move into the Swim for All area of the pool). Members can book consecutive sessions if they wish to guarantee their lane for a longer swim.
There is no set duration for Swim for All sessions, though most people will only stay in for around an hour.